Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2007 02:36:45 GMT
From: Jon
Subject: nick and jonathan: lif after nick 6
________________________________________________________________
Life After Nick-Part 6
As always, thanks for the comments. The answers are slowly coming....
backbayguy@juno.com
Chapter ONE:
"It's all right Ryan" said Jonathan. "You don't have to go down there"
"Yeah I do" said Ryan, squaring his shoulders. "I can't be afraid any
longer".
Jonathan, Ryan, along with Jarrod and one other agent were standing in
the alleyway where Ryan had been beaten in Phoenix. Jonathan noted
that Ryan was shaking slightly.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Jonathan asked quietly.
"No, I've got to do this myself" he replied.
"OK" said Jonathan. "We'll be here. Take as long as you want"
As Ryan slowly walked forward into the darkened alley, Jonathan turned
to Jarrod. "It's cool?"
"No problem" said Jarrod, dressed all in black, looking generally
foreboding. "I had two agents sweep the alley a couple of minutes
before we got here. There's not even a rat back there."
"OK" said Jonathan.
Ryan spent about 10 minutes back in the alley. He went to the spot he
had been dragged to. Looking at the ground there were still faint blood
stains in the concrete; even years later. He wondered if it was all
his. He looked up to see the chipped bricks where Danny had fired
rounds into the wall to break up the beating. A shudder briefly passed
through his shoulders as he remembered that night and what he had been
doing to get there that night. He looked up at the sky as he thought
about the time since then. He sent a silent thank you to the Heavens as
he turned and walked back to the end of the alleyway.
"You doing OK?" asked Jonathan as they walked back to the Hummers.
"Yeah I am" said Ryan. "It's OK. What's past is past."
They returned to the Hummer. After a quiet dinner in town they headed
back to the house at Boulders. Ryan decided he was going to make it an
early night. He wanted to do some hiking around the mountains the next
day. As Jonathan sat in his study working on some paperwork without
Sebastian scattering it, there was a knock on the door. Brandon and
Mark came in.
"Hey guys" said Jonathan getting up. "What's up?"
"Not a whole lot just wanted to check in before taking off for the
night." Brandon said.
Jonathan took a moment to look at the two men. They looked great
together as a couple. He noted that the two were wearing a set of
identical rings that he hadn't noticed before. Both dressed in dark
clothes they were incredibly handsome. He also noticed that they were
definitely in each others' space.
"Where did the rings come from?" asked Jonathan.
"We got them when we were over in Switzerland last month" said Mark.
"That was one of the other things we wanted to talk to you about. Would
it be possible to take some time off next month? There is nothing on
the books for July that is too crazy. We'd like to go down to St.
Thomas for a week or so. I guess you could call it a private getaway
for us."
"Of course, no problem. Just let me know when" said Jonathan, hiding a
smile. "The private suite is yours if you want it"
"Thank you so much" said Brandon. "There is one other thing boss.... Ian
is outside. He said you had wanted to see him."
"Send him in and get some sleep guys" said Jonathan. "By the way,
where are you guys staying? I know you're not in the house."
"We're over on the resort side" said Mark. "We got a casita. We both
fell in love with them when we were here a couple of years ago. You
need us closer?"
"No that's fine" said Jonathan.
As they left, Ian came in. Jonathan walked over shook hands with him.
"Can I get you something to drink?" he asked.
"I'm good" said Ian. "What's so important that you have to fly me
across the country to talk at 11pm at night?"
"A change" said Jonathan as he poured himself a drink.
"What kind of change?" asked Ian looking at him suspiciously.
Sebastian took that moment to announce his presence. His long flowing
fur shone in the firelight. While never having a problem with Ian,
there was the direct opposite. He had no love or interest in the cat.
This gave Sebastian the challenge. He walked over and sat directly in
front of Ian and growled.
"Does that thing have to be here?" he asked, looking at the cat.
Sebastian put his ears back at the comment.
Jonathan ignored the comment. "I want to buy the building next to us in
Boston and move the offices for starters" said Jonathan.
"You want to buy 111?" asked Ian. "That's going to cost at least 350
million and that is if the owners will sell it."
"We did sell the 777 as I recall" said Jonathan. "That's beside the
point. I like the building and I'm in the mood to buy and sell."
What other changes did you have in mind?" asked Ian.
Jonathan leaned back in his chair. "I'm going to remodel the top floor
of the building for the executive offices"
"That's going to cost a fortune in both costs and lost rent!" said Ian.
"Then I guess it is a good thing I'm worth a fortune and then some"
said Jonathan with a smile. Sebastian hopped up on his lap and settled
in. "I also want to remodel Renaissance. Beyond that, I need more
freedom" Jonathan continued. "How much of my holdings are tied up
versus cash?"
"Off the top of my head I would say it is about 60 percent cash and 40
percent actual" he said staring at the ceiling. "That translates to
roughly a bit less then five billion in cash or assets that can be
liquidated in 72 hours for cash. Why?"
Jonathan took a moment to contemplate his next step. He knew what was
coming and it made sense; especially if he was going to take the next
step in his life.
"How long would it take to pull the cash and liquidate assets for cash
and then sell the rest of the company if we had a buyer?"
Ian just looked at him. "You know, you are one of the smartest business
people I have ever met. I'm not sure selling the company is good or
bad. What's prompting this?"
"Like I said I need freedom and I have had an offer to sell part of the
company" said Jonathan. "Mostly the little stuff. I would still have
control of the management part of the company, the nucleus of
Stonewolf. I know who I would put where with the changes."
"I need time to review everything. Can you give me 72 hours?" asked Ian.
"Of course" said Jonathan. "Do you want to stay here tonight? It is
getting late."
"Thanks no" said Ian getting up. "If there is nothing else, The 550 is
waiting at the airport. I can be home by dawn. I'll sleep on the plane
and start work on the numbers for you"
"OK, thank you" said Jonathan. "Trust me. If this goes any further,
I'll bring you further on board with everything."
"I'll talk to you in a couple of days" said Ian. "How long are you
going to be here in Arizona?"
"I'm flying back to Switzerland with Ryan the day after tomorrow." Said
Jonathan. "I'm probably going to be over there for 3 or 4 days then
back in the office"
"OK" said Ian. "If you can wait that extra couple of days, I can do a
full presentation for you and whoever else on the assets and breakdowns
and such"
"That sounds great" said Jonathan, shaking his hand. "I'll call you
when I am on my way back to the states.
Jonathan walked over to the bar and poured himself a snifter of the
Grand Marnier 150 Anniversary. He sipped it as he walked about the
house. A little over 13,000 square feet, it was undoubtedly the largest
house in Boulders. He had purchased three side by side lots to make
room for the house. No doubt the neighbors weren't particularly pleased
with him, although his home owners fees made up for any bad feelings.
As he continued to walk around the house he realized more and more that
it was time to finally take control of his life and destiny.
CHAPTER TWO:
The next 48 hours were filled with relaxation and adventure for both
Jonathan and Ryan. While Jonathan spent time over at the resort and the
house, Ryan scoured the countryside hiking and learning a little bit
about climbing. The resort had a program for learning ropes and
belaying and he took to it like a fish in water.
All too soon the Hummers were on the highway back to Sky Harbor for the
trip to Switzerland. Getting out at the airport, Jonathan looked up at
Renaissance sitting about 100 feet away from them. Behind the jet he
could see construction on a new hanger. He turned to Jared.
"I suppose you had something to do with the new hanger" he said.
"Yes" came the reply.
Jonathan shook his head and climbed the stairs to the jet. Ryan had
already gone ahead with Sebastian. At the top of the stairs stood
Captain Hendrickson.
"Morning Don" said Jonathan shaking hands "Ready for a long one?"
"Shouldn't be too bad" he replied. "Good weather for flying and about a
10 hour flight if all holds well. How long will we be there?"
"We're going to be in Geneva long enough to drop Ryan off, then I'm
driving up to Lucerne to spend a couple of days with the Eberle's, then
up to the castle for 2 days of meetings. I'll meet you back in Zurich
in 5 days. That should give you more then enough time to add to your
wine cellar."
"OK" he replied. "I'll ferry the jet up tomorrow if that's OK"
"Yeah, no problem" said Jonathan as they walked inside. "I'm not doing
much this trip. Geneva isn't too far if we need to go unexpectedly"
"Unexpectedly is never good with you" said Don, good naturedly. "I have
you to thank for my gray hair thanks to the Hawaii incident a few years
ago"
"It doesn't look bad" said Jonathan laughing.
"OK" said Captain Hendrickson smiling, "Tell that to my wife. I'll
call you from the flight deck with more information once we're airborne"
"Sounds good, thanks" said Jonathan.
He walked into the forward lounge to find Ryan flipping through the DVD
collection.
"Find anything?" he asked. "It's going to be a long flight"
"A few things" said Ryan as he stood up. "Listen, I wanted to thank you
for everything this past week. It has been a great vacation. I can't
begin to imagine where I would be without your help"
"Then don't" said Jonathan coming over and sitting on the couch, "Just
enjoy it"
"How could I not?" Ryan asked. "This beats Hell out of coach. By the
way, graduation is in two weeks; are you coming over?"
"I wouldn't miss it" said Jonathan, ruffling Ryan's hair. "I already
have it scheduled in."
As the two continued to talk, the jet started moving. Within a few
minutes the thrust of jet increased as it rolled down the runway.
Renaissance climbed into the skies and began its' journey into the east
and Switzerland.
Later on that night over dinner, Ryan and Jonathan discussed what Ryan
was going to be doing over the Summer before starting at the University
that fall. It ranged from him coming back to Boston to staying in
Switzerland.
"How serious are you with this girlfriend?" asked Jonathan.
"Are you asking if we are sleeping together?" asked Ryan
"You're 18 I don't need an answer to that" said Jonathan with a laugh.
"I mean is it serious enough to stay in Lausanne for the Summer?"
Ryan put down his fork. "I'm not sure." He started. "I really like her
a lot and yes, the sex is awesome, but I think it is just something to
fill the time for both of us. We're going to the formal next week as a
couple, but I think that is going to be it."
"So what do you want to do for the Summer?" Jonathan asked. "It's not
like you have to work to save money for school."
"Yeah I know but I'm thinking I want to do something" said Ryan.
"Any thoughts?" he asked.
"Yeah a couple, but I need to work on it a bit more." Said Ryan. "I do
know I want to come back to Boston, if that's OK"
"Of course it is OK" said Jonathan. "There is more then enough room at
the residence. I could also get an apartment for you if you would
rather have your own space."
"The residence is perfect" said Ryan. "Just think of how easy it would
be to impress the ladies with the place"
"Great" said Jonathan. "15 million in renovations and my house becomes
a chick magnet"
This brought a bout of laughter from both of them.
"Seriously, though" said Ryan. "I love the residence. I can't imagine
not being there."
"I'm glad" said Jonathan. "When do you think you're coming back?"
"Graduation is in three weeks" said Ryan. "I'd like to hang out in
Geneva for a week or so with some friends then fly back if that's OK"
"No problem" said Jonathan. "Just give me a day's notice so I can send
a jet over"
"I can fly commercial, that's not a problem" said Ryan
"I don't think those two large gentleman who hang out with you would
fit in first class" said Jonathan referring to Ryan's bodyguards.
"OK, I just don't want to be a bother" said Ryan. "It has to be super
expensive to send a jet over and back"
"Yeah, well" said Jonathan, in his mind thinking of days past. "It
isn't expensive in the grand scheme of things. Don't sweat it"
The two continued talking through dinner. Afterwards, they settled in
for a couple of movies before crashing out for the night. Jonathan had
done some remodeling of the back of the plane and installed two
sleeping suites. Ryan said good night and headed off to one of them. As
Jonathan had a final snifter of Grand Marnier, Sebastian came up to him
and curled up next to him.
"Pretty cool family eh there kitty?" Jonathan thought.
"I am not a kitty thank you" came the reply as he beat his tail against
Jonathan's thigh.
"Touchy" said Jonathan.
CHAPTER THREE:
The warm spring breezes filled the air as Jonathan got out of the
Hummer at the entrance to the castle. Jarrod stood by his side as the
massive draw bridge was lowered. Jonathan turned to Jarrod.
"Danny did explain to you that there are sometimes where you are not
going to be able with me right?"
"Yes, but I am not comfortable with it" came his usual reply.
"Look at it this way, you control all access to this place" started
Jonathan as they walked in. "The damn walls are 8 feet thick. No one is
going to come breaking down doors with guns drawn. Besides the people I
am meeting with can take care of themselves"
"I'm not really concerned with their safety" said Jarrod. "Only yours."
"I'll be fine" said Jonathan. "Think of it as a board meeting. You
don't get to access those either."
"True but I am in the lobby outside. I'm paid to be by your side or at
least 5 seconds away at all times."
Jonathan turned towards him as they stood in the courtyard and looked
at him. The warm breezes washed over him. I've been away from
Switzerland too long he thought. I'd forgotten how awesome Spring is.
"Jarrod, it will be fine. We'll talk about it later on tonight. I think
I can convince you that it isn't a problem. Speaking of, you haven't
met Kristian yet have you?
"No" said Jarrod. "I don't believe so"
"You are likely to run into someone in the castle at some point who is
tall with long blond hair" started Jonathan. "That will be Kristian. Do
not shoot him. Do not annoy him. You might get a rather nasty surprise"
"I don't get surprised" said Jarrod.
"Trust me on this one. You will" said Jonathan. "Just let him be"
"Very good" said Jarrod. "The gates are closed and secured, call me if
you need me. I'm going to check out the grounds. There is a lot of
area to cover."
Jonathan watched him walk away. He realized that he was going to have
to include Jarrod in the inner circle soon. Perhaps tonight he thought.
Jonathan wondered if there was another way other then shooting himself;
recalling the one time he did that.
Jonathan took the time to admire the inner courtyard. Rising several
stories, the stonework was magnificent. Realizing he did have some
things to do to prepare for his meeting he wandered inside. As Jonathan
was in the main hall of the castle admiring the workmanship of the wood
carvings, he heard someone clear his throat. He turned as he felt
Kristian.
"Good afternoon Kristian" said Jonathan.
"Good afternoon Jonathan" said Kristian. "I have someone I'd like you
to meet"
Walking around from behind him came Maximillian; the Abyssinian cat
that Kristian had told him about. About 10 pounds or so he was a
beautiful rust color from his ear tips to his tail with hints of black
at the tips of the fur. The fur itself was very short yet silky
looking. The cat walked over to Jonathan and looked up. As Jonathan
bent down and offered his hand the cat's voice came into his head.
"So, you are him"
That stopped Jonathan cold. "I am him?" he thought back
"The one that was foretold over 50 centuries ago." came the voice back
in his head.
Jonathan looked at the cat sitting before him. "What do you mean
foretold over 50 centuries ago? That was 5000 years ago"
"Nice to see you are able of basic arithmetic." Came the voice.
"Now look here you fur ball." said Jonathan picking up the cat. It was
like picking up a feather compared to Sebastian. "Let's be reasonably
polite. I've got a hell of a lot bigger fur ball around here somewhere
that would make mincemeat of you"
"I highly doubt it" said Maximillian. "I can do things no mere cat can do"
"This is going to be fun I can see it coming" said Jonathan as he
scratched the ears. "Let's just make nice"
"We shall see" said Maximillian. "For future reference it would be
appreciated if you did not call me a fur ball"
"Fair enough" said Jonathan. "Does that mean I can call you Max?"
Maximillian put his ears back and looked at Jonathan. "I don't believe
that would serve in your best interests"
Jonathan laughed and scratched the ears once more before putting the
cat down. "We'll talk later".
The cat looked Jonathan then over to Kristian. He then disappeared.
"I thought you said those cats couldn't do that" said Jonathan.
"I said they generally choose not to" said Kristian. "Doesn't mean they
can't"
"So where did he go?" asked Jonathan.
"I'm sure he is around. He has been living here for a month" said Kristian.
Before Jonathan could speak a unholy noise that was a cross between a
howl, shriek and growl came from the upstairs part of the main building.
"What was that?" asked Jonathan.
"Off hand, I would say the two cats just met" said Kristian.